How to Manage and Prevent Allergies With Natural Remedies

If you suffer from seasonal or perennial allergies, there are many ways to manage and prevent them. One of the best solutions for doing this is using natural remedies.

Some natural remedies for treating insomnia include eating locally produced honey, drinking a cup of hot tea and taking a warm shower. Others involve acupuncture, stinging nettle, spirulina and bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapple).

1. Garlic

Garlic, an allium family bulbous herb vegetable, is renowned for its flavor and health benefits. It can be used in many dishes like soups, sauces, marinades and spice rubs – making it a great addition to your diet!

Garlic is an easy and delicious way to increase your antioxidant intake, plus it contains many vital vitamins and minerals like selenium, vitamin C and zinc.

Garlic has many health benefits, but it’s best to eat in moderation and discuss any medications you take that could interact with garlic. For instance, if taking blood-thinning medication, garlic could interfere with how effectively you control your blood pressure levels.

Garlic has long been used as a medicinal herb, showing promise in preventing and treating various illnesses. It may contain antibacterials and antibiotics as well as antioxidants that could potentially prevent or treat cancer.

Garlic has also been found to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, potentially decreasing the risk of heart disease by helping prevent atherosclerosis – or hardening of arteries – attributing it to its beneficial effects.

Cold sores, painful blisters that erupt around the mouth or nose, can also be treated with raw garlic. By adding several cloves of raw garlic to your daily diet, you may experience relief from symptoms such as redness, pain and swelling associated with these sores.

When purchasing fresh garlic, look for plump bulbs without soft or spongy cloves and bulbs with green shoots emerging – these indicate they may be older. Store it in a dry and cool place with good ventilation such as your pantry or basket.

2. Quercetin

Allergies can be a debilitating, even life-threatening condition. They range from seasonal hay fever to more serious illnesses such as asthma and eczema.

Thankfully, there are natural solutions to manage and prevent allergies from arising. One such remedy is quercetin – an antioxidant which reduces inflammation and boosts your immunity.

Quercetin can be found naturally in many foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and teas. You may also take it as a dietary supplement.

Quercetin, as an antioxidant, has the power to combat free radicals that can speed up aging and contribute to chronic illnesses like heart disease or cancer. Furthermore, it supports a healthy immune system by acting as an antihistamine.

Mast cells also possess the capacity to control histamine release from mast cells, leading to various allergy symptoms like watery eyes, runny nose, itchy ears and hives.

Essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint and frankincense can help soothe airways and calm your body’s allergic response. Eucalyptus oil can be diffused to open up sinuses and relieve congestion; while peppermint oil has been known to improve coughing by decreasing inflammation.

No matter which allergy remedies you try, ensure to maintain a stress-free environment as much as possible. Studies show that increased stress can contribute to allergies. Therefore, take some time each day to relax or meditate for at least a few minutes.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C, an antioxidant, helps prevent the production of free radical molecules which can damage cells and lead to diseases. Researchers are exploring its possible role in strengthening the immune system as well.

One study from 2000 discovered that taking 2 grams of vitamin C daily helped alleviate allergic rhinitis (hay fever) symptoms. A second 2018 study discovered that intravenous (IV) vitamin C is an effective treatment for allergies.

There are several ways to get vitamin C through food and drinks. Eating fruits and vegetables (like citrus juice or tomatoes) or supplementing with a multivitamin are all excellent sources. But make sure the form of Vitamin C you select is easily absorbed by your body without causing digestive issues.

For instance, ester C–a form of vitamin C with a neutral pH–is usually more easily absorbed than ascorbic acid, which may be too acidic for some individuals. Furthermore, this form can help alleviate allergy symptoms by helping your body reduce histamine levels.

Additionally, supplements that contain bioflavanoids – compounds that act like vitamin C to boost your body’s production of antioxidants – are available at health food stores, drug stores, and online.

A 2013 review of 11 randomized controlled trials found that vitamin C reduced the risk of asthma attacks caused by respiratory infections (8 trials) and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (3 studies, 180). While these results are promising, more rigorous randomized double-blind studies are necessary to verify if these effects are real. And remember – before trying any new supplement or herbal remedy it’s always wise to consult a doctor first!

4. Vitamin D

Allergies are a common and uncomfortable condition that can be debilitating. But if you want to manage or prevent allergies without taking medications for them, there are plenty of natural solutions that may be beneficial.

One way to reduce allergies is by making sure you have enough vitamin D in your body. Getting adequate amounts of this nutrient can improve immune health and bone strength.

For adults, an adequate daily supply of vitamin D is 600 International Units (IU). This vitamin can be obtained in foods like fatty fish, beef liver, egg yolks and fortified milk.

If you feel that your diet does not provide enough vitamin D, speaking to your doctor about supplements might be beneficial. Additionally, try getting the recommended amount of sunlight exposure.

Vitamin D not only helps combat allergies, but it can also strengthen bones and protect your heart. Studies have revealed that those with low levels of the vitamin are at increased risk for bone loss.

Some studies have even suggested that vitamin D may reduce your risk of asthma. However, further investigation is necessary to confirm this relationship.

There’s also evidence that vitamin D may improve food allergies in children. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of studies on this subject yet.

Alternative home remedies known to help with allergies include butterbur, acupuncture and stinging nettle. Unfortunately, there is not much research on these treatments so it’s best to consult a doctor before trying them out.

5. Stinging Nettle

Nettle leaves can be brewed into a delicious and relaxing tea to help reduce the symptoms of allergies. They contain compounds which decrease inflammation, an essential element in our bodies’ natural defense system. Drinking nettle tea is one of the best ways to naturally prevent and treat allergic conditions like hay fever, eczema, rhinitis, and asthma.

Stinging nettle contains anti-inflammatory and immune boosting phytochemicals that work by blocking histamine receptors and suppressing immune cell releases of chemicals that could potentially trigger an adverse reaction within your body.

Nettle plants possess stinging hairs which are prickly and can irritate your skin if touched or when damp with water. This could cause an itchy rash that lasts up to 12 hours.

Some individuals are allergic to stinging nettles and should avoid contact with them. While stinging nettle rash usually goes away on its own, if you have any queries or are worried about your reactions to these plants, seek medical help immediately.

Stinging nettle not only alleviates allergy symptoms, but it can also improve heart health and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Studies have demonstrated that it reduces inflammation within the urinary tract and aids in flushing out harmful bacteria that might lead to an UTI.

Stinging nettle has also been scientifically proven to lower blood pressure and relax blood vessels, benefiting your heart health and helping prevent chronic diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart failure.

Stinging nettle’s root also regulates sex hormones and their substrates, helping to manage prostate problems such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH puts an increased strain on your prostate gland with age, leading to several potential issues.